Patient and Family Advisory Councils

The Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) at Dana-Farber include patients, family members, and staff. There are separate councils for adult care (Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council, or APFAC) and pediatric care (Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council, or PPFAC). Our Council members share their experiences to make a positive impact on the patient/family experience for others. 

Both councils represent Dana-Farber's commitment to patient- and family-centered care by including the following core principles in all discussions and projects:

  • Dignity and respect
  • Information sharing
  • Participation
  • Collaboration

Our Mission

Both our adult and our pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Councils share a single, ongoing mission:

  • To help disseminate information and implement services that affect our patients and their families
  • To support patients and their families becoming informed advocates for their own care
  • To offer a patient and family voice
  • To initiate ideas for policies, programs, projects, and services within the patient care environment
  • To provide ongoing opportunities to hear the voices, experiences, and perspectives of patients and their families

Read our flyer and learn more about us, including how to join.

Read Blog Stories by and About PFAC Members

How Our Patients Help Create a Healing Environment

Adult PFAC Blog Stories

Voices Podcast – Season 2 Episode #2: Then and Now with Leukemia Survivor Ben Blaisdell: Ben Blaisdell

How I Told My Young Children I Had Cancer: Gabby Spear

On the Other Side: Becky Sail

Beyond Cancer Podcast – Episode #5: Stupid Things People Say: Becky Sail

Five Tips for Facing a Rare Cancer: Becky Sail

A Caregiver’s Perspective: Honoring Your Hopes and Fears: Gina Paglucia

From Teacher to Cancer Caregiver – and Coach: Deb Osborne

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Cancer Caregiver: Allan Osborne

In Sickness and in Health as a Cancer Caregiver: Deb Osborne

Young Breast Cancer Patient Puts Healing in Her Own Hands: Kireina Bell Sancho

Voices Podcast – Season 2 Episode #5: Then and Now with Breast Cancer Survivor Gabby Spear: Gabby Spear

Voices Podcast – Episode #5: Balancing Motherhood and Breast Cancer: Gabby Spear

Pediatric PFAC Blog Stories

Stem Cell Transplant Helps Boy with Leukemia to Remission – and New Home

The Loss of a Child: Stories from Three Bereaved Parents: Monica Vinasco, Mark Sullivan, and Deanna Abrams

How Boston and Dana-Farber Gave This Family Hope: Ricardo Garcia

The Power of Patient and Family Centered Care: One Mom’s Journey: Sara Dickison Taylor

How to Manage Family Life When Your Child Has Cancer: Valerie Graf

Full Circle: The Journey from Patient to Caregiver: Sara Dickison Taylor

Questions to Ask When Your Child Finishes Cancer Treatment: Julia Pettengill

What to Do If Your Child Relapses: Deanna Abrams

Dana-Farber’s PFAC Members Share Their Passion and Perspective

Learn how much our Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) mean to patients and families, parents, caregivers, physicians, nurses, and advocates.